Eiserman signs, Nelson returning to ND — The Fourth Period

The New York Islanders took care of some housekeeping this week, getting 2024 20th overall pick Cole Eiserman locked up to a three-year, entry-level contract that begins next season.

TFP’s David Pagnotta was first to report on Tuesday that Eiserman would be signing with the Isles, and also noted that the expectation is that he would join Bridgeport in the AHL for the balance of this season on an amateur tryout.

During Wednesday’s episode of “DFO Rundown Insider Edition” with Irfaan Gaffar, Pagnotta reiterated Eiserman’s position and also noted that one of the Islanders’ other top college prospects, Danny Nelson, would be returning to Notre Dame next season.

“Yes. I reported earlier this week that Cole Eisenman is going to be joining, the organization. He’s going to be signing his entry level contract, but he’s going to be joining Bridgeport, by all accounts. Isles fans can relax a little bit. He’s on his way,” Pagnotta said prior to the Islanders formal announcement.

“It looks like he might be the only mean guy coming. I’m told that Danny Nelson is returning to Notre Dame. He will not be signing a contract with the Islanders right now. He’s going to go back and play with his two brothers. One final year, at Notre Dame.”

Nelson, 20, was drafted by the Isles in the second-round, 49th overall, of the 2023 NHL Draft.

In 36 games with the Irish this season, Nelson registered 13 goals and 16 assists for 29 points.